Historic
Bath, incorporated in 1705, is recognized as North Carolina’s oldest
town. Bath is rich in authentic Colonial history as the first county
seat for Beaufort County and in legend and lore as the “home” of Blackbeard the Pirate when he was not threatening commerce on the high
seas. The
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources operates the Historic
Bath Visitor Center on Carteret Street (NC 92) as part of the state
historic site and offers tours of the Palmer-Marsh House, the Van Der Veer House and the Bonner House. Other visitor services
include a free orientation film, special events, and a waterfront picnic
area on Front Street.